Indiana Pot Decriminalization Efforts Likely Shelved

Would have reduced penalties for possession

Supporters of lesser penalties for marijuana-related offenses will have to wait until next year.

Indiana lawmakers aren't likely to touch the issue during the 2013 session. Senate Bill 580, proposed by State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, would lessen penalties for having pot. The proposal would make cut the penalty of possession of less than two ounces of marijuana to an infraction.

State Sen. Mike Young, R-Speedway, chairman of the state's Corrections and Criminal Law Committee, said the committee wasn't likely to hear the bill this year.